This smart lock comes with a programmable keypad, works over Bluetooth to let you manage your smart lock when you’re in Bluetooth range (about 100 feet). You can also manage access codes and track when your door was locked and unlocked through the app.
What could happen if something goes wrong?
Oh Kwikset, you don’t inspire confidence that you care about the privacy of your users. When we set out to find the privacy policy for this smart lock, we ended up in a frustrating scavenger hunt. The privacy policy on the Kwikset website clearly states it only covers “websites, social media pages, and emails.” Ok, let’s see what link the listing on the Google App store links to? It links to a Terms of Service doc that mentions a privacy policy and notice that takes you to the website www.goconcourse.com. Cool. Then you click on the privacy link on that webpage and it takes you back to the original Terms of Service doc. Super frustrating. Turns out, you have to dig deep into page 40 of their clunky Terms of Service document to find where they have a privacy policy that says it covers their products. Uhg! This is not how it should be done. A huge user-friendly privacy policy FAIL on Kwikset’s part.
When we were able to finally read their well hidden privacy policy, we learned they seem to do OK with how they collect and share their users’ personal information. They seem to not sell your personal information. And they say they don’t share your information with third-parties unless it is anonymized or aggregated. This is good, although it’s a good time to remind you that it’s been found to be pretty easy to de-anonymize some types of data and track down an individual’s patterns, especially with location data.
What’s the worst that could happen with Kwikset’s smart locks? Well, we fear you might try to find their privacy policy, go on an hours long search around the internet, end up extremely frustrated and decide to buy another smart lock. That’s what we would probably do. Do better Kwikset!
Tips to protect yourself
- Check out tips to ensure your smart lock safety
- Maintain a strong door
- Choose a secure access code
- Set up two-factor authentication
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: No
App: Yes
Microphone
Device: No
App: Yes
Tracks location
Device: No
App: Yes
What can be used to sign up?
Yes
Phone
No
Third-party account
No
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Name, address, email address, phone number.
Body related
Social
How does the company use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record of protecting users’ data?
Evidence of Kwikset locks' vulnerability to hacks was in the news in 2016. Since then the company made an effort to improve its security.
Can this product be used offline?
User-friendly privacy information?
Privacy policy is hidden in the Terms and Conditions document, page 40.
Links to privacy information
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Strong password
Security updates
Manages vulnerabilities
Privacy policy
Dive Deeper
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Use A Smart Lock? Get In The Sea, 73% Of Security Professionals SayForbes
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Can Smart Locks Be Hacked? And How to Prevent ItDIY Smart Home Solutions
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Best Smart Locks of 2021Consumer Reports
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Should I get a smart lock? The pros and cons of going digital on your doorUSA Today
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Have a smart lock? Yeah, it can probably be hackedCNET
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